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| CENTRAL
PACIFIC REGION |
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| CARARA
NATIONAL PARK |
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Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Jacó Beach
Montezuma
Carara is situated on the Central Pacific plain. Access to
the park offices 2 km south of the bridge over the Río Grande de Tárcoles
is from San José via Orotina and Costanera Sur ( 91 km ) along an asphalted
road. As it is a transition zone between a drier region ( dry tropical forest
) to the north and a wetter one ( tropical wet forest ) to the south, Carara
presents a wide diversity of plantlife with over 1,400 plant species and with
evergreen species predominant. Crossed by diverse streams mostly permanent waters,
in the dry season the park is an oasis of freshness and greenery. This is an
excellent site for birdwatching and frequently you can see many animals along
the trails. The reserve is important also for the survival of the spectacular
Scarlet Macaw. These birds spend the night by the mangroves and in the morning
they fly to the Reserve where they feed during the day. Between 4:30 and 5:00
p.m. they return to the mangroves to spend the night. As well as offering superb
rainforest, the reserve has 2 trails, the main trail is called Las Araceas which
is located by the ranger´s house on the main road.
Primary forests ocuppy most of the park. Northeast of the park
the seasonal flooding of the Tarcoles River forms numerous swamps that are very
rich in wading birds, as well as amphibians and reptiles. In this enviroment,
several species of amphibians and reptiles like crocodiles up to 4 m long, and
of birds like roseate spoonbills, anhingas and jacanas are present in large
numbers. It is also easy to see crocodiles in large numbers in the sandbanks
of the Tárcoles River.
We always recommend to visit Carara very early in the morning
or late in the afternoon for higher chances to see the birds and animals. If
you are driving your own car, it is better to stop by the Main Ranger´s
house at the Araceas Trail and leave the car protected at the parking lot there.
